2017 Ford F-250 Powerstroke Lariat Test Drive

This week I bring you one of the biggest, baddest trucks on the road, the all-new 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty.When I say all new, it really is.It’s been 18 years since Ford re-did the Super Duty and this truck doesn’t share any parts with the 2016 and older models.

Major changes this year include the addition of a military strength all-aluminum body, a larger all-steel frame, and for the first time ever, F-250 shares the cab with its little sister, the F-150.That means from now on, when the F-150 changes, so will the Super Duty.

So let’s start behind the massive new two bar grill.

It’s where you’ll find the 6.7-liter turbocharged Powerstroke diesel which puts out 440-horses and an amazing 925-foot pounds of torque.It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.There was a rumor Ford was going to drop the 6.2-liter gas engine, but it is available as well.

My tester is a 4×4 Lariat Crew Cab, and I have to admit, I was curious what a $71,000 truck looked like, especially when there are two more expensive packages available with the King Ranch and Platinum.

This is a good-looking truck, but make no mistake, it is big.This is the short wheelbase version and it is almost 21-feet long, it is 6-½ feet tall, and 6.6-feet wide with the mirrors folded in.It weighs in at almost 3 and a half tons.

The interior of the Lariat is super nice and comfortable.

It will also be comfortable for any size adults, and the back seat is massive too.When you fold up the back seat, you can carry a lot of cargo or make a terrific place for Rover.

Based on customer feedback, Ford has kept the gear shifter on the steering column to offer more center console area, and the really cool cup holders that go from being able to hold 2 drinks to 4.

Like everything else, the gauge cluster is large and from the steering wheel controls, there is a lot of available info between them.There are five different screens to give you info on fuel economy, off-road status, truck status, as well as settings.

Most everything runs from the Sync3 color touchscreen in the middle of the dash, including the fantastic sound system, climate controls, navigation system, and you can configure apps and hook up your Apple Car Play or Android phone.In case you were wondering, the Sync3 system is simple and flawless.

This is also where you activate the optional Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera system.You can literally put your trailer ball under your trailer with no help and never leaving the driver’s seat.In fact, there are seven cameras around this truck including one high above the bed, and also in the tailgate.

The Lariat comes very nicely equipped.

Standard features include power sliding rear window, dual power seats, a 110-volt power outlet, power tilt wheel, trailer brake controller, and remote keyless entry with a touchpad on the door.

Options on this particular truck include the $8595 diesel engine, it has the chrome package, FX4 off-road package, blind spot monitoring, 20” wheels, a spray-in bed liner, and roof lights.

This one also has the $4280 Ultimate package that gets you the navigation system, twin panel power moon roof, pickup bed lighting, remote start, tailgate step, and heated and cooled seats.

Given the size of this beast, you can imagine it is pretty hard to park in tight spaces, but for $695 you can get Adaptive steering that is contained within the truck’s steering wheel. The system utilizes an electric motor, gear unit and a small computer. When the truck is moving at lower speeds, the system will increase the angle of the front wheels. This means that the driver will have to turn the wheel less to steer more.

Something about the truck that stands out for me is the power tailgate, which is brilliant.

You can drop the tailgate from the key remote, or from a button inside the truck.Also, this truck has lights everywhere, including spotlights built into the mirrors.Speaking of the mirrors, I think these are the best trailer towing mirrors out there.With the push of buttons, you can extend the mirrors out for towing, or fold them in completely.That means you can take the F-250 through a car wash with harming the mirrors.

The cab is quiet inside, and the Powerstroke engine is super quiet.

In fact, you can actually order food without turning the engine off.I had a guy at the car wash actually ask me if it was running.

This all-new truck is very refined, and amazingly drives and rides just like the F-150, which was a surprise.

Although the government doesn’t require fuel economy data on trucks larger than a half-ton, pickup drivers still find this important.This truck has the 3:55 rear axle that is rated to tow 15,000 pounds.In numerous testing, I got 13 miles per gallon in town, and with the cruise control set at 70, I got 19.3 on the highway average, occasionally bouncing past 20.This truck only has about 2300 miles so I expect fuel economy to improve some as it breaks in.

Base MSRP on this truck is $50,600 and equipped like this one, it is $70,875.You can run an F250 Platinum up to $78,000 or more when loaded.

While that is a heck of a lot of money, this is also a heck of a lot of truck.

2017 Ford F-250 Powerstroke Lariat

What I liked most:Engine performance and quietness, and towing capacity.

What I would change:Nothing. This is the best Super Duty ever.

MSRP: Base price $60,820. As equipped $70,875.

Fuel Economy:Not rated by the EPA, but achieved 13 city and almost 20 highway.